But he could face a maximum sentence of four years in prison if he's convicted, according to Alamance County District Attorney Pat Nadolski.

"We want to resolve the case appropriately and make sure justice is served," said Nadolski. "This is a very serious case and a very significant case. It involves serious bodily injury to an eight-year-old child."

The crash happened on N-C 62 near Elder Lane in Alamance County on May 16.

According to NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), a student from E-M Holt Elementary was hit by a car while getting off the bus Crawford was driving.

Troopers say Crawford didn't have the required stop arm out or warning lights flashing prior to the student getting off the school bus.

The student was taken to Alamance Regional Hospital before being airlifted to UNC Medical Center.

Nadolski says the state is pursuing felony charges against Crawford because his "gross negligence" is to blame for the boy's injuries.

"I think the law attaches a special significance to children being taken care of properly," said Nadolski. "When it's not done, and when there is gross negligence, this would be the appropriate charge."